What transaxle for 390FE

[Mat Rodriguez]

Long time reader first time posting. Looking for some specific advice for my application. I’m working on a project of mine that is a gt40 inspired f100. In the infant stages of trying to build up parts and the one I’m hung up on is which transaxle to run. Powerplant will be a 390 FE around 400hp. I’ve read on the ZF, the Porsche g50 or g86 and the Audi 01e as well as some other options but I’m suffering from analysis paralysis here. I don’t have an endless budget either so a $20,000 unit is out of the question for me currently. Just looking for some insight on what unit to look for and perhaps where to find said unit as well. Thanks!

 

[Ian Anderson]

Most transaxle scan handle 400 hp but the torque from a 390 will kill most!

Again it all depends, what tyres, what suspension, what use you will put the car to.
Drop the clutch at 4000 plus rpm on slicks in an heavy car and most will expire in short order.

The go to for a 390 would be a Tremec but those are made out of unobtanium.
The old 4 speed 930 Porsche was said to be built for abuse
Then probably the Lamborghini and Audi R8 transaxle units
Other Porsche units
Audi units
Renault UN1
VW aircooled units…….though some of these have been built to handle 700hp in lightweight drag vehicles!

So really a lot more info required

 

[Chris]

I'd go for a different engine if budget is your concern. I've run and raced FE engines for years and have a 427 in a cobra. They are brutal on gearboxes and clutches. I have ripped many of both apart! I don't know of a low cost transaxle that would handle them.
I have a 302 and UN1 in my GT, 400hp, but they are a very different beast to a big old FE. Still fun but different and much less brutal.

 

[Ole Nylende]

I believe you could use a graziano box. They seem to handle just about anything.
Since you are not building a gt40 its size is not a bif concern.

However, sticky tires, nasty clutch and loads of torque would kill about anything if you just #sendit from a standstill.

 

[Randy V]

If it were mine, I’d look for a Porsche 930 and stay away from extremely high traction tires like slicks. Obviously, burn-outs will no doubt be costly..

 

[Lee Patterson]

Not sure what your budget is as you only said what it wasn't and guessing you are looking for a transaxle, not transmission. 390's aside, did you look at the Quaife ZF? It's more than capable of the HP. And about half the price of a fully rebuilt ZF, redone in GT40 configuration. You also did not say what configuration you want it to run in, meaning if a Pantera transaxle configuration works, look for a used ZF from a Pantera. They are around, probably used and abused, but also not $20K. There were two on the Pantera forum for sale, one you could have had for under $5K.

 

[Mat Rodriguez]

I believe you could use a graziano box. They seem to handle just about anything.
Since you are not building a gt40 its size is not a bif concern.

However, sticky tires, nasty clutch and loads of torque would kill about anything if you just #sendit from a standstill.

Yes sending it like a wild man isn’t in the cards. Looking to just build something unique and if I can autocross it or something similar if not that’s great too. Can you provide a little more detail on this graziano box is like is there a specific designation to look for also any suggestions on where to look for one? Thanks!

 

[Mat Rodriguez]

If it were mine, I’d look for a Porsche 930 and stay away from extremely high traction tires like slicks. Obviously, burn-outs will no doubt be costly..

Any insight on where to pick one up? Am I limited to classifieds on forums like this you think?

I second the burnouts comment, I avoid them at all cost now as it is lol

 

[Mat Rodriguez]

Not sure what your budget is as you only said what it wasn't and guessing you are looking for a transaxle, not transmission. 390's aside, did you look at the Quaife ZF? It's more than capable of the HP. And about half the price of a fully rebuilt ZF, redone in GT40 configuration. You also did not say what configuration you want it to run in, meaning if a Pantera transaxle configuration works, look for a used ZF from a Pantera. They are around, probably used and abused, but also not $20K. There were two on the Pantera forum for sale, one you could have had for under $5K.

I’m still working on trying to set a reasonable budget for a transaxle as this is all new territory for me. I don’t want to say $1500 and then get laughed at ya know? I’m having a hard time figuring what the going rate is for one, if my budget needs to be 20k then so be it I’ll just need to save longer but would like to think I could get what I need done for less.

I believe I got a quote some years ago from Quaife they’re around 12-15k if we are talking about the same thing. I’m open to more info on this though if you have any.

Honestly I’d need some education on the Pantera option. Aren’t they turned over or something like that from what I recall?

Thank you for your insight!

 

[Andrew]

Give CMS a call and see about their Porsche options. Again you're looking at 15k+. Given your configuration maybe consider looking at a C8 automatic box?

 

[Lee Patterson]

Quaife $15K with all you need to make it work. Panteras ran the ZF upside down. Same box. You need to decide which way you want to run it. Quaife only runs one way. good luck.

 

[Mat Rodriguez]

Quaife $15K with all you need to make it work. Panteras ran the ZF upside down. Same box. You need to decide which way you want to run it. Quaife only runs one way. good luck.

In a situation where I have the room could you explain the difference in running it in gt40 vs pantera? Or should it even matter? Also, do you have a link to this pantera site?

 

[Randy V]

Any insight on where to pick one up? Am I limited to classifieds on forums like this you think?

I second the burnouts comment, I avoid them at all cost now as it is lol

Forums like this one (particularly Porsche related), eBay and Facebook Marketplace would be good places to start..

 

[Ron McCall]

In a situation where I have the room could you explain the difference in running it in gt40 vs pantera? Or should it even matter? Also, do you have a link to this pantera site?

Mat,
If you'd like, you can give me a call ( 410-596-3170 M-F 8am-5pm) or email ( [email protected]) and I can explain the details of the ZF transaxle. I can also provide details of the GTT ( direct ZF replacement transaxle ) that is finally available for purchase.

Ron McCall

 

[Rick Muck- Mark IV]

Ron is THE guy for ZF/GTT. Make the call. He has done the development work on the GTT and can answer any questions.

 

[Jean-Marc]

I am just curious, at Le Mans in the car that used a 427 engine, the gear boxe was (except 2 speeds automatic) Kar Kraft T44 4 speeds, what does those gear box became

 

[Ian Anderson]

J

Thread 'Kar Kraft T-44'

Oct 23, 2004

Does anyone out there know if the T-44 is still in production. I'm thinking ahead for a second GT40 MkII as a future build with an FE motor.

• Jim Downard
• Replies: 31
• Forum: GT40 Tech - Engines/Induction/Exhaust

Please note the dates on this thread……from a long time back

 

[Mat Rodriguez]

Mat,
If you'd like, you can give me a call ( 410-596-3170 M-F 8am-5pm) or email ( [email protected]) and I can explain the details of the ZF transaxle. I can also provide details of the GTT ( direct ZF replacement transaxle ) that is finally available for purchase.

Ron McCall

Emailed you, anxious to hear what all you have to say!

 

[Rob]

Long time reader first time posting. Looking for some specific advice for my application. I’m working on a project of mine that is a gt40 inspired f100. In the infant stages of trying to build up parts and the one I’m hung up on is which transaxle to run. Powerplant will be a 390 FE around 400hp. I’ve read on the ZF, the Porsche g50 or g86 and the Audi 01e as well as some other options but I’m suffering from analysis paralysis here. I don’t have an endless budget either so a $20,000 unit is out of the question for me currently. Just looking for some insight on what unit to look for and perhaps where to find said unit as well. Thanks!

I have adapted a caman transaxle with the internal shifting improved .
For more durability.
Ford 427 aluminum shelby engine.